Chiefs Win In Overtime

DANBURY, CT- A game complete with All Star quarterbacks, top rushers, pass catchers and superior defenders was decided by Connecticut Chiefs Luigi Liovvi’s 21 yard field goal in overtime. “I was nervous of course but more than anything I wanted to win it for my teammates” said Liovvi, “it was an amazing game; what an ending.”

The first possession of the game saw the Militia’s reserve quarterback Greg Ramos turn the ball over to see it picked up by a Chiefs defender and lateraled to defensive back Leo McTaggeret for an opening score. On the Chiefs first offensive series, their run first approach found running back Aaron Taylor in the end zone from seven yards out giving them an early 14-0 lead.

After the Militia settled, All Star running back Lionel Assie took a Kevin Oberg handoff 75 yards up the visiting sideline for a touchdown to cut the lead in half. After an exchange of possessions, an errand pass from Oberg was caught by Chiefs linebacker Niko Sierra for a 20 yard return for a score. A 66 yard second quarter drive by the Militia was capped off with a 4 yard scoring run by Oberg and cut the Chiefs lead to 21-14 entering halftime.

The third quarter saw the Chiefs rely on an oversized offensive line to establish their running game. Backs Taylor (13 carries/ 71 yards) and Kevin Wolfolk (15 carries/ 76 yards) both had success throughout the second half of play. Wolfolk found the end zone on a 6 yard run giving the Chiefs what appeared an insurmountable two touchdown lead heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw the Chiefs make two major mistakes which the Militia took full advantage of. On a third and long situation deep in their own territory, quarterback Dino Mancinelli made his sole error of the day throwing a ball over the middle of the field and having it intercepted by Keith Pratt setting the Militia up on the ten yard line. Two plays later Assie ran in from 4 yards out for a score as the games momentum shifted to the home team. The following play saw Chiefs returner Tyrell Wright hit by special teams ace Joe Ciraolo causing a fumble and giving the ball back to the Militia. Quiet most of the day, Oberg found receiver Jason Davis on two late game receptions including a 22 yard rainbow pass he pulled in to put his team in scoring position. A seven yard scoring run by Assie (16 carries/ 157 yards) tied the game with less than two minutes to play in regulation. After a strong stand by the defense, the Chiefs punted the ball away giving the Militia a chance to pull out another come from behind win. “We knew we have the team to make it back in a game and win it; we showed that” said Jamar Rawles referring to their week one 19-18 win over defending champion Connecticut Panthers. A ten yard run by Oberg and a quick timeout set up a 43 yard winning field goal attempt for the NEFL’s top kicker Andy Benzicewicz. His attempt went nearly 12 inches right of the upright and both team prepared for an extra period.

“We could see the way the Militia was playing in the fourth quarter that overtime was a reality” said NEFL Representative Bernie Armstrong, “the way these teams had played today seeing them continue was a treat for all of the fans in attendance.”

Winning the coin flip, the Chiefs set up their kick return team with one plan in mind, get the ball to All Star receiver Akeem Wright. Being kicked away from all afternoon, the returner pitched the ball back to Wright who quickly advanced it to the midfield stripe. On their second down play, Mancinelli hit Wright for a quick pass which he turned into a back breaking 29 yard gain. A short carry by the sure-handed Eric Brown set the ball up in the middle of the field for the successful field goal attempt by Liovvi.

“What a game” said Chiefs Taylor, “a lot of highs and lows but we pulled it out in a tough place to play; a win like this just prepares us for next week and the rest of the season.” The win sets up a rematch with the highly touted Panthers. “We’ll enjoy this one for a while but tomorrow we will focus on the Panthers.” The Militia suffers their second consecutive loss and look to get back on track as they host the Pioneer Valley Knights.

WESTERN CONNECTICUT MILITIA

Connecticut Chiefs

TOTAL OFFENSE

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